FAQs

Are you a fiduciary?

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Yes.

 

Oh my god yes. We wouldn’t do this if we weren’t.

 

A fiduciary is bound to act in your best interest. Most people who call themselves financial advisors are held to the ‘suitability’ standard. That means that whatever they do for you or recommend to you needs to be suitable for you, not necessarily what’s best for you.

 

If you decide to hire a financial advisor, ‘Are you a fiduciary?’ is the most important question you should ask any advisors you interview.

What does 'Fee-Only' mean?

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Fee-Only describes how Cedar Peak gets paid. 100% of our revenue comes from fees paid to us by clients. We don’t get commissions, so we aren’t incentivized to unnecessarily trade in your accounts. We don’t get rebates from any investment managers, so we only use the investment products we like the most. We don't have revenue share agreements, so we have nothing to gain from putting you in high-cost mutual fund share classes when cheaper ones are better. We don't sell insurance.

 

Everyone has conflicts of interest - including us. This is one way that we minimize ours.

What is your investment philosophy?

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1. Good investing is simple, but not easy

2. Three investing concepts - Diversification, Value, Momentum - do 95% of the heavy lifting. We lean on these. We ignore a lot of noise.

3. Focus on what works over the long term. It’s ok to be wrong this year if you’re right this decade. 

4. Your portfolio needs to match your personality and temperament.

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This is the foundation of how we invest our own money and how we will invest yours. We like discussing these principles every chance we get; regardless of how interested our audience is. 

Do you work with clients outside of Denver?

 

Yes! Many of our clients live outside of Colorado. 

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In the first year of working together, we will have a series of Zoom meetings to discuss your goals, your dreams, and how we will implement a plan to get you there. I use Best-In-Class software to help us keep track of implementation steps so we can track the changes we need to make.

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After the first year, we will shift to periodic Zoom update meetings. On top of that, you can call or text whenever you like. 

Who do you work with most often?

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Most of my clients are young and growing families - often dual-income households - who are doing well, but want more confidence and structure.

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They want to make smart decisions, simplify their financial life, and stop feeling like they should be doing more, but aren't sure what that is. 

 

A lot of them are navigating things like:

• Childcare costs and berry budgets that come with small kids

• buying or upgrading a home

• bonuses/RSUs/Equity comp

• balancing saving for retirement vs living life now. 

What happens on the Introductory Call

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It's a straightforward conversation. No sales. Not only won't I ask you to become a client on the Intro call, I won't let you become a client on the Intro call.

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We'll talk about

• What's going on in your life

• What you're looking for help with

• What you've tried so far

• Why now is the right time to start with an advisor

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If I'm the right fit to help, I'll tell you. If I'm not, I'll point you in the right direction. 

So I just give you all my money or something?​

 

Nope. Not even close.

 

When I manage your money, we open accounts for you at my custodian, Charles Schwab. Schwab holds the investments in your accounts and holds onto the investments. That way, you have full transparency into how your money is invested.

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I manage the investments, provide advice, and act as your financial guide. Schwab holds the assets.

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Can I leave at any time?​

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Yep! I love working with people for a long time. This way we get to know each other and I can help guide you through the financial impacts of all your major (and minor) life events. The longer we work together, the better I know you and what matters to you. Besides, your goals today are different than your goals 10 years from now.​

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Still, no long-term contracts. No weird lockups.

 

However, if you leave in less than one year, I reserve the right to make a voodoo doll of you and jam pins in its knees and lower back.

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What areas of financial planning do you help with?

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Well... most of them. Common Areas we cover include:

• Investment Strategy

• Tax Planning (but not tax advice or tax prep)

• Equity Compensation Review (RSUs, ISOs)

• Insurance Review

• Saving, Budgeting, and Cash Flow structure

• College Planning

• Charitable Planning

• Estate Planning (yes, it's important for. Even for you)

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If something is outside of my scope, I'll tell you. 

Who don't you work with?

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If you're looking for hot stock tips, market predictions, or someone who is going to "beat the market" every year, look elsewhere. Also, if you want the cheapest possible option, you'll be happier elsewhere. 

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I don't do my best planning work for people on the verge of retirement. If you need Social Security claiming strategies or have deep questions about Medicare, I'm probably not your guy. I know enough to know that other advisors will give you better advice on those topics. I can help you find better advice for you.